Mantoux Test

Mantoux test – the sample (reaction) test is a diagnostic test that shows immunity to tuberculosis and reveals the presence in the organism of tuberculosis infection. Tuberculin is a substance derived from cultures of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. When performing the Mantoux test using a small syringe tuberculin is injected subcutaneously in the middle third of the forearm. In the introduction the cells of the human immune system (lymphocytes) begin to interact with the administration of drugs, formed a local inflammation. Depending on the intensity of immunity in the injection you may notice redness (hyperemia) or papules (swelling), the size of which the doctor measures with a ruler.

Mantoux test is conducted annually for all children and adolescents aged 1 to 18 years. A contraindication to the Mantoux test are acute and chronic diseases in the acute stage, the skin diseases in the acute stage, an intense allergic reaction to the tuberculin in the past. ‘No samples in groups of children where a quarantine on children’s infections. Mantoux test put strictly after the lifting of the quarantine. If the child suffers from allergic diseases and is observed at the allergist, the Mantoux test should be carried out after consulting a doctor.

Mantoux test result – photo and pictures

Also, be aware that the Mantoux test can be made only a month after immunisation. Otherwise, the sample result may be distorted. Typically, doctors try to perform a Mantoux test before planned vaccination.

The result of the Mantoux test are evaluated after 72 hours. Within three days it is very important to avoid contact of the sample space with water and other liquids.

You should not cover the spot with plaster. Do not let the child RUB the injection of tuberculin.

The reaction is considered negative in the absence of infiltration (hyperemia) or in the presence obolochnoy reactions (0-1 mm); questionable – when infiltration (papule) 2-4 mm when only hyperemia any size without infiltration; positive in the presence of pronounced infiltration (papule) with a diameter of 5 mm or more. Hyperergic in children and adolescents are considered to be reaction with a diameter of 17 mm infiltration and more.

By itself, a positive Mantoux test is not proof of the presence of tuberculosis. In terms of compulsory vaccination and revaccination with BCG positive reaction to the Mantoux test can result from both infectious and postvaccinal Allergy. If the Mantoux test showed a positive result, then the pediatrician may refer the child for a consultation with a TB specialist. It is necessary to exclude all factors: vaccination BCG and other vaccines, recent infection, Allergy to the components of tuberculin Allergy of unknown etiology.

Children and adolescents with newly diagnosed TB infection have an increased risk of clinically apparent tuberculosis. Consequently, such children are subject to monitoring in tuberculosis dispensary during the year. Within three months of chemoprophylaxis with isoniazid. At the end of this period the child is placed under the supervision of the district pediatrician as “infected more than one year”.

Thus, the doctors are able to identify children infected with tuberculosis and to prevent the development of this disease.

Setting Mantoux test is distributed worldwide and for many years serves as a reliable way to identify people infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The main disadvantage of this sample is the large number of false positives. In this regard, the specialists are constantly striving to develop more accurate diagnostic methods.